Reinforcing The Business of Architecture: 2003 AIA Firm Survey’s report of the extensive growth of women and minorities into management positions in architecture firms, six women have founded the National Association for Women in Masonry (NAWM). Designed to enhance the skills of women professionals in architecture and related construction fields, the Seattle-based group serves as the NAWM’s flagship chapter and hopes to inspire women in other states to form additional chapters. They are striving to admit 100 members within their first year and envision more than 20 chapters and 1,000 members by 2014.

The NAWM reports that its mission is “to create an environment through education, training, and networking that enhances the leadership skills of women in the building industry.” Upcoming plans include training sessions, lectures, seminars, and hands-on learning. Initially, the Seattle chapter indicates, members will focus on:

• Encouraging women to become involved in the building industry
• Exchanging ideas and information through organized lectures and forums
• Providing training opportunities
• Hosting informational events and gatherings to provide networking opportunities both locally and nationally
• Participating in symposiums to raise national awareness of NAWM
• Promoting the value of masonry.

“The need for an organization focused on women within the building industry was recently realized when one of our founding members attended an architect’s symposium this spring and realized she was the only woman among 29 men,” says NAWM Executive Director Barbara Headrick. “When she returned from the trip and told her story, she inspired the six of us—so we started the association to influence change.”

The group has appointed seven officers:

• President Amanda Roberson, Freiheit & Ho Architects
• Secretary Xiaoli Liu, MulvannyG2 Architecture
• Treasurer Tung Thanh Ho, MulvannyG2 Architecture
• Director of Imaging Mara Smith, Architectural Brick Sculptures
• Director of Communications Amy Rasmussen, Rasmussen Design Group
• Director of Web Operations Janet Crosby
• Executive Director Barbara Headrick, Masonry Institute of Washington.

Topping the officers’ agenda is planning the association’s “Architect’s Masonry Symposium,” to be held in Blaine, Wash., March 1–3, 2004. Cosponsored by the Masonry Institute of Washington, the event will feature lectures and hands-on masonry projects.

The NAWM’s founding sponsors include: Masonry Institute of Washington, Meade Design Group, Seattle Glass Block, Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors, Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block, and MulvannyG2 Architecture.

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